Small-scale farmers in Garissa are pleading with the government to address the recurring floods caused by overflow from KenGen’s dams into River Tana, which have devastated their farms year after year. Over 10,000 residents in Balambala, Garissa, and Fafi subcounties are affected, with millions lost annually in destroyed crops, damaged irrigation systems, and inaccessible roads. Farmers grow a variety of crops including mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens, many of which are destroyed just before harvest.
Speaking during a visit by ODM nominated MP Umulkheir Harun, the farmers said the flooding has become more frequent—now occurring twice a year—and continues to push them out of farming. Farmer leaders like Hassan Yussuf and Mariam Gedi highlighted how the crisis contradicts government efforts to encourage food security and alternative livelihoods for pastoralists. MP Umulkheir criticized KenGen for offering last-minute warnings and failing to implement lasting flood control measures. She vowed to escalate the matter in Parliament, calling for permanent solutions such as compensation or infrastructure to redirect excess water.
